The Fairy Godmother-In-Law

Name: The Fairy Godmother-In-Law
Author: Oliver Herford

Cinderella marries the Prince, believing him to be her ideal partner, despite their limited acquaintance. The Prince, while charming and fashionable, is also deeply in debt. Cinderella conceals her Fairy Godmother from him, fearing it might alter his perception of her. The story unfolds with Cinderella receiving an enigmatic letter from her Fairy Godmother, which she struggles to decipher. After various failed attempts to open it, she finally learns that her Godmother will visit. When the Fairy arrives, she transforms the royal attic into a lavish space and begins to indulge in whimsical magic, often at the expense of the Prince. Her humor leads to chaotic situations, such as changing the Prince's key to a toad and granting him wings, which results in his embarrassment and discomfort. The Fairy's antics disrupt court life, including a ballet performance that replaces a dull play. As Cinderella plans a grand ball to support local shepherds, the Fairy decides to create new outfits for both the Princess and the Prince. They attend the ball, unaware that their magical garments are set to revert at midnight. The ball is a spectacle, and the couple enjoys the festivities without concern for the impending transformation. At midnight, their magical attire vanishes, but they find themselves in simple clothing, which unexpectedly becomes a trend across the kingdom, promoting a return to a simpler lifestyle. The Fairy's final trick backfires when she transforms into a candle, leading to her accidental extinguishment by Cinderella. Ultimately, Cinderella divorces the Prince, and both characters find happiness apart, concluding the tale with a twist on traditional fairy tale endings.

By Oliver Herford · First published 1912 · Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Fairy Tale · 5 chapters · 2,490 words

First lines

When Cinderella wed the Prince She thought him all her Fancy Painted, And this was not surprising since They were not very Well Acquainted. While he, not dreaming where she got Glass slippers, counted on a _Dot_.

The Prince was Brave, Industrious, Wise: Brave in bright Silks and Satins gay, Wise in the Lore of Ladies' Eyes, And most Industrious -- at Play; A Leader, too -- in Fashion's Set; And Deep -- that is to say, in Debt.

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The Fairy Godmother-In-Law is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1912 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Oliver Herford
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Fairy Tale, Satire, Poetry
Length: 2,490 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 43 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The presence of magical elements, such as a fairy godmother and spells, defines the fantastical nature of the story.
Comedy — The humorous situations and witty dialogue throughout the poem contribute to its comedic tone.
Fairy Tale — The narrative is a playful twist on traditional fairy tale tropes, particularly the Cinderella story.
Satire — The poem critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding marriage and family dynamics.